The squaw with the child 1970

Mariam Aslamazian created this oil on canvas painting titled 'The squaw with the child'. Aslamazian's work frequently highlights the lives and struggles of women, set against the backdrop of societal norms and expectations. In this piece, the depiction of motherhood and childhood invites a discussion about identity, race, and representation. Aslamazian, an Armenian artist, paints a subject that is racially 'other'. The gaze of the subjects evoke a sense of shared humanity, crossing cultural boundaries. The artwork creates a dialogue around how identities are perceived, interpreted, and sometimes, misrepresented across different cultural contexts. The choice of the word ‘squaw’, a term that has a history of being used to oppress indigenous women, is an important element to consider. The painting remains deeply personal, reflecting on universal themes of motherhood and the shared experiences of women across different cultures.